Production Operative

Institute of Water; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Water is seeking a practical Production Operative to join our Operations team at Fleam Dyke Water Treatment Works. You will operate and maintain water production assets to ensure a safe, reliable supply of drinking water.

The role covers inspections, maintenance, water quality sampling and site management across treatment works, reservoirs and pumping stations. A full UK driving licence is essential; training and progression opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence.
• Tractor licence with hitching/reversing capability.
• Experience in a practical operations, maintenance or field-based role.
• Understanding of safe working practices.
• Basic IT skills and comfort with mobile devices/digital systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.

Responsibilities

• Support safe operation and maintenance of water treatment and production sites.
• Carry out planned inspections and maintenance across sites (Water Treatment Works, Reservoirs, Booster Stations, Source Stations, Valve Complexes).
• Monitor site conditions and report operational issues.
• Coordinate chemical deliveries to sites.
• Undertake routine water quality sampling and testing.
• Assist with sludge management and waste removal processes.
• Clean and disinfect reservoirs, tanks and assets.
• Coordinate contractor access and ensure site safety.
• Maintain housekeeping and environmental compliance.
• Work with Technical Operators and other operational teams.
• Participate in weekend operational duties on a rota basis.

Skills

Driving licence

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Independent work

IT literacy

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Water Process Operations

EUSR National Water Hygiene Card

IOSH qualification

Job description

Production Operative

Salary: £30,368,52 per annum (DOE) | Company Benefits
Location: Cambridge
Contract: Full Time | Permanent | 40 hours per week

About Us:

South Staffordshire Water, which operates across two regions as Cambridge Water and South Staffs Water is a privately-owned regulated water only company.
South Staffs Water supplies a population of nearly I.3 million. The area of supply stretches from the edge of Ashbourne in the north, to Halesowen in the south, and from Burton on Trent in the east, to Kinver in the west.

The Role:

We're looking for a practical, hands-on Production Operative to join our Operations team based at Fleam Dyke Water Treatment Works.

As a Production Operative, you'll help maintain and operate key water production assets across the Cambridge Water network, ensuring customers continue to receive a safe and reliable supply of drinking water.

Working both independently and as part of a wider operational team, you'll carry out routine inspections, maintenance activities, water quality sampling and site management tasks across treatment works, pumping stations, reservoirs and associated assets.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career within the water industry while playing a vital role in protecting public health and supporting essential infrastructure. Whether you have experience in utilities, agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, site operations or maintenance, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting the safe operation and maintenance of water treatment and production sites.
• Carrying out planned inspections and maintenance activities across:
  • Water Treatment Works
  • Reservoirs
  • Booster Pumping Stations
  • Source Stations
  • Valve Complexes
• Monitoring site condition and reporting operational issues.
• Managing and coordinating chemical deliveries to operational sites.
• Undertaking routine water quality sampling and testing activities.
• Assisting with sludge management and waste removal processes.
• Cleaning and disinfecting reservoirs, tanks and associated assets.
• Coordinating contractor access and ensuring site safety requirements are met.
• Maintaining high standards of housekeeping and environmental compliance.
• Working closely with Technical Operators and other operational teams.
• Participating in weekend operational duties on a rota basis.

Essential

• Full UK driving licence.
• Tractor licence, including hitching and reversing capability.
• Experience working in a practical operational, maintenance or field-based environment.
• Good understanding of safe working practices.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using mobile devices and digital systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and manage a varied workload.

Desirable

• Experience handling and storing chemicals safely.
• Knowledge of basic hydraulic systems or pumping equipment.
• Experience within the water, utility, environmental or process industries.
• NVQ Level 2 in Water Process Operations (or equivalent).
• EUSR National Water Hygiene Card.
• IOSH qualification.

We value attitude and potential and will provide training and development opportunities for the right candidate.